What does “blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth” mean?

In Jesus’ statement that “the meek shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) The key word in this statement is the word inherit. In order to inherit something one must be an heir. 

The Apostle Paul touched on the Christian’s inheritance in Galatians 3:29. ” And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” 

The promise to Abraham was that in his seed all the families of the earth will be blessed (See Genesis 22:18). Paul then connects the Christians inheritance with the promise made to Abraham. This is a foundational element of God’s plan to bless mankind. 

The church inherits the privilege of living and reigning with Christ during his 1,000 year kingdom. (Revelation 20:6)  Their work will be to aid mankind walk up the “highway of Holiness.” (Psalm 35:8) The goal then is to make every living person holy, no small task. The context of Matthew 5 shows that the promise to “inherit the earth”  applies to the church. After listing the qualities that would be blessed by God, Jesus said, “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:.” So, he was saying the faithful of this time will inherit the earth. (verse 12)

However, inheriting the earth is not limited to the Church Class. The principles Jesus listed in Matthew 5, such as mercy, purity of heart, being peacemakers, meekness, etc.  will also be required of mankind in the resurrection.

 The promise directed at mankind is stated in Revelation 21:4, 7.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away… He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Revelation 21:4, 7

Once Jesus and the Church have finished the work of the Millennial Age and mankind is brought back to mental, moral and physical perfection, the earth will be returned to mankind who will administer it under the larger dominion of God. This will then be mankind’s inheritance.

To learn more about what it means to be meek listen to, “Am I an Arrogant Christian?”